THE future of the Northern Powerhouse comes under the spotlight at the annual Chamber/South Lakeland District Council Partners’ Dinner.
Henri Murison, Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, is keynote speaker at the black-tie event at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on March 13.
Rob Johnston, Chief Executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “It will be fascinating to hear Henri’s take on recent events.
“On the one hand, we have the Government backing HS2, pledging to ‘level-up’ the North and spend big on infrastructure.
“On the other, we’ve seen the departure of the Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, and what appears to be a downgrading of the post as the new Minister, Simon Clarke, will no longer sit in Cabinet.
“And given that Simon Clarke is an MP for Middlesbrough, does his appointment signal a change of emphasis, a broadening of the Northern Powerhouse beyond the Liverpool-Manchester-Leeds axis?
“There’s genuine confusion as to where the Northern Powerhouse stands, where it is going and, in particular, what it means for Cumbria.
“We’re looking to Henri to provide some light and shade on these issues.”
The annual Partners’ Dinner is a red-letter day in the Cumbrian business calendar – more than 200 people attend the annual event.
Rob added: “The dinner celebrates the close working relationship the Chamber has with South Lakeland District Council.
“They are a very business-focused local authority – they’re one of the funders of Cumbria Business Growth Hub, for example – it’s no coincidence that South Lakeland has the fastest growing economy in Cumbria and North Lancashire.”
The dinner begins with a drinks reception at 6.30pm. Tables of 10 are available at £400 plus VAT or individual places at £45 plus VAT. Table sponsors have their branding displayed on menus, tables, table plans, place settings and the main screen as well as the opportunity to have a pop-up banner in the main function suite.
To book, or for further information, contact the Chamber’s Business Development Manager, Derek Armstrong, on 07841 743066 or email derek@cumbriachamber.co.uk
